Noise – Forms and Links
APPLICATION FORMS FOR PERMITS & VARIANCES:
Noise Permit Application – Permit to exceed the maximum permissible sound levels for construction, stationary noise sources, agricultural & industrial activities.
SUBMIT 4 WEEKS PRIOR TO START DATE
Noise Permit Application Guide for Construction – Guide to completing and submitting a noise permit application for construction activities.
Noise Permit Extension/ Renewal Guide for Construction Guide to completing and submitting a noise permit extension/renewal for construction activities.
Noise Permit Application Guide for Stationary Noise – Guide to completing and submitting a noise permit application for stationary noise sources.
Noise Variance Application – Variance to exceed the maximum permissible sound levels for construction activities outside of normal permitted hours.
SUBMIT AT LEAST 3 – 4 MONTHS PRIOR TO START DATE
Noise Variance Application Guide – Guide to completing and submitting a noise variance application for construction activities.
Noise Notification Form – Notification of Intent to Construct for a dwelling or project with a total cost of less than $250,000 based on the value of the project listed on the building permit.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What types of noise are regulated by Hawaii’s Department of Health (DOH) Noise Section?
Our section regulates noise resulting from construction, industrial, and agricultural activities and mechanical noise from stationary noise sources (pumps, air conditioners, generators, compressors, ventilation/exhaust systems). Noises resulting directly from people, such as loud gatherings next-door, verbal disputes, nuisance noises from animals, and noises from vehicles not actively used for construction, industrial, and/or agricultural activities (garbage pick-up) are not within our jurisdiction.
Consult the island-specific “Noise Reference Manuals“ below, under NOISE REFERENCE MANUAL BY ISLAND, for additional guidance covering more noises not regulated by our section.
How much does a Noise Permit or Noise Variance cost?
Click HERE for the Noise Permit & Noise Variance cost schedule.
I have a construction project–when do I need a Noise Permit? When do I need a Noise Variance?
Click HERE to check if you need a Noise Permit, and HERE to check if you need a Noise Variance. You might need both.
These are NOT THE SAME as the permits issued by the City & County Department of Planning and Permitting (BUILDING, TRENCHING, STOCKPILING). These are also NOT THE SAME as permits issued by the Department of Health Clean Water Branch (NPDES) nor the Department of Health Clean Air Branch.
I have a noise complaint about animal nuisance noise (dogs barking, roosters crowing), do I report it to DOH Noise?
No, please contact the Honolulu Police Department regarding animal nuisance noise.
Animal nuisance noise on Oahu is covered by the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH), Chapter 12 “Animal Nuisances.”
What about radio noise or other sound reproducing sources (tape recorders, cassette players, speakers)?
No, please contact the Honolulu Police Department regarding sound reproducing device usage on public and private property.
Noises coming from speakers or similar noise producing devices that amplify an electric signal to create sound, both on public and private property, do not apply to our regulations. Sound reproducing device usage is considered unlawful on public property as covered by the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH), Title 9, Chapter 41, Article 6 – Noise Control (Sect. 41-6.1 to 41-6.5). Noises from sources located on private property are subjected to different criteria as to what qualifies a citation.
Click HERE to obtain a permit for using such devices on public property.
What about noises near hospitals or the use of sound amplifying devices in public buildings?
No, please contact the Honolulu Police Department for noises near hospitals and the use of sound amplifying devices in public buildings.
It is unlawful to make loud noises near hospitals per the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH), Title 9, Chapter 41, Article 7 – Noises In Vicinity of Hospitals (Sect. 41-7.1 to 41-7.2).
No person shall use any sound amplifying device in a public building at any time without the prior written approval of the department head or the department head’s authorized subordinate who exercises jurisdiction over the specific public building in which the sound amplifying device is to be used, per the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH), Title 9, Chapter 41, Article 9 – Use of Sound Amplifying Device in Public Buildings(Sect. 41-9.1 to 41-9.4).
When is noise considered in violation of State regulations for Community Noise Control?
Depends on the sound level of the noise, what time the noise was made, and in what Zone Class the noise was made.
Click HERE to learn more about Zone Classes & Hawaii’s Maximum Permissible Sound Levels daytime and nighttime.
STATUTES & RULES FOR NOISE:
Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 342F, Noise Pollution
Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 342F, 30.8, Weed Whackers; Leaf Blowers; Noise Regulations; Additional Restrictions
Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11, Chapter 46, “Community Noise Control” (searchable version here)
NOISE REFERENCE MANUAL BY ISLAND:
Noise Reference Manual – Big Island
Noise Reference Manual – Kauai
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS:
How do we hear? Click for a general overview of how mechanical sound waves in the air turn into electrical signals that our brain can receive and interprets into what we experience as hearing.
Click HERE for a guide on how to fill out a check. Please note that incompletely or incorrectly filled checks will be rejected and will result in a delay processing related applications. Applications are not reviewed until payment is received.
Construction noise pamphlet (June 2016) Click for a pamphlet guide to Hawaii’s noise regulations tailored for construction and remodeling work in Hawaii. Note: the info contained therein is intended to serve as a guide, please read the complete rule for all requirements regarding construction and remodeling work.
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